James Welman

James Welman is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Welman Attorneys Inc. Practising labour and employment law since 2007, James brings over 19 years of dedicated experience to workplace dispute resolution and civil litigation. An admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa holding the valuable distinction of Right of Appearance in the High Court, he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Pretoria and subsequently completed a Certificate in Labour Dispute Resolution Practice (CLDRP) from the University of Stellenbosch.

James built his foundational expertise through articles at Hartzenberg Attorneys and subsequent tenures at SEESA, and Bester and Rhoodie Attorneys before establishing his own boutique practice. His approach is grounded in direct personal involvement, realism, and a passion for substantive fairness. By operating as a boutique specialist, he ensures that corporate clients and individual employees receive direct, partner-level attention rather than being handed off through layers of junior staff. Whether chairing complex internal hearings on factory floors, negotiating executive separation packages, or arguing matters before the CCMA, Bargaining Councils, and the Labour Court in Braamfontein, James provides straightforward, accessible, and resolute advocacy.

Core Competencies & Practice Areas

• CCMA and Bargaining Council Arbitrations & Conciliations (Pretoria & Johannesburg jurisdictions)
• Labour Court and High Court Workplace Litigation
• Independent Chairing of Disciplinary Inquiries and Grievance Hearings
• Section 189 Retrenchment Facilitation & Negotiations
• Drafting Executive Contracts & Workplace Policy Frameworks
• Commercial & General Civil Litigation

Verified Professional Standing & Credentials

• Admissions: Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with Right of Appearance (2007).
• Regulatory Body: Registered Legal Practitioner in good standing with the Legal Practice Council (LPC Attorney Record Active).
• Academic Qualifications: 
  - Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Pretoria (2001–2006).
  - Certificate in Labour Dispute Resolution Practice (CLDRP), University of Stellenbosch (2018).
• Experience Credential: Over 19 years of specialized practice in labour, employment, and civil dispute resolution.